Hailon and Merry glanced at one another.
“Well. You think on that, okay?” Merry still held my hand between hers, and without a word they had steered me back toward the office. “For now, let’s get back inside where it’s warm. I’ve maybe got a book or two we could peek at for other suggestions.”
“There’s no rush on anything, Phin. Just know that I’m here if you’d like me to try.”
I bobbed my head, the hot tears back again. I had no idea how I’d been pulled from a life where I was invisible into one where I was freely given so much attention, but I was grateful.
Once we got settledback in the cozy little office, Merry and Hailon held a whole conversation by themselves while still making me feel as though I’d been included. My nods and hand gestures were somehow enough for them to clearly understand what I was trying to convey.
Merry took back my flower bundle and plunked it into a little cup of water on the small table that sat to one side of the sofa. Books were pulled from her shelves and flipped through, more tea made and drank, and copious notes written on a piece of parchment, all while I sat, stared, and marveled at how interested they were in trying to fix whatever was wrong with me.
“I’ll take this to Greta.” Hailon patted the pocket that contained her sheet of notes. “She’s got the best resources for this kind of thing. Lovette may know something too, I’ll see if I can get out to the conclave to chat with her. And Rylan is also a healer, so you’re in good hands.”
“The best.” Merry nodded in agreement, her red curls bouncing. “What happened to me nearly broke my mind completely, and these people and their amazing gifts set me to rights.”
I tried to mentally file all the new names they were saying, but it wouldn’t really matter until I actually met the people they belonged to. Faces helped me retain names far better than descriptions.
As they were chatting and I was trying to focus on getting my tongue to work right again, I heard a sound that made me freeze.
“Did you hear that?” Merry jumped to her feet and opened the stained glass window. As though they’d been waiting, the birds ducked in. “A little space, if you please,” she requested, elbowing her way through the middle of them, peering around, trying to find the source of the sound. “Lots of creatures live here in the glade, but dogs are few and far between. Actually, there aren’t any at all that I’ve seen, not since the creatures all gathered before I took my place as Keeper.” As if just realizing what she said, her brown pinched. “Cats either, actually. The only one I know is Calla’s Morticia. That’s odd, isn’t it? Oh.” She turned to face the door just as it was pulled all the way open by a massive man with long dark hair. Before he could step inside, a sleek black hound passed him up and came straight to me.
Throat tight, I found the only word I needed. “Ramsey?”
Mistress! You’ve grown so beautifully.A whine came from the hound’s throat as she rested her chin on my knee, her tail wagging fiercely.
A laugh burst from me and I slid off the sofa cushions to the floor, wrapping my arms around her neck, and let her lick my cheek, not caring that we had an audience.
“I really do hear you,” I whispered, still clinging to the animal I believed I’d never see again, the one I’d last said farewell to after I’d been handed off to Father Morton. She’d promised to return after looking into a lead on the people I was being hidden from, and I’d never seen her again.
After lamenting the loss of my parents and my companion to Father Morton, I’d been convinced that all of the conversations we’d had in my head since I was a child had been one giant figment of my imagination. How foolish I’d been to believe him. I couldn’t help but wonder what else he’d made me believe that wasn’t true.
I have missed you very much, mistress. Are you well?
I nodded, tears flowing freely despite my joy. “How?” I asked, hoping that was enough to convey what I was truly asking.
I have journeyed far, mistress. I’m sorry I had to leave you.She whined again and sat, soulful eyes looking into mine.I loathe that I will have to do so again. But I will always come back.
“Why?” The single word encapsulated several more questions. Lucky for me, Ramsey had always understood me just fine.
That is a very long story.She looked up at the people who were very politely giving us time to make our greetings.How have you come to know so many demons and stone kin and witches?
“Also a long story.”
We have much to catch up on then.Ramsey chuffed and settled down, laying her body across my legs right where I sat on the floor.
“Isn’t this wonderful!” Seir said, looking like he was ready to burst out of his skin with excitement. “Ramsey, is it? Welcome to the glade.” He performed a flourish of his arm and a bow.
Ramsey glanced at me.He’s odd. I like him.
“Me too.”I realized then, looking between Seir and Ramsey why he’d always seemed so familiar. He had animated facial expressions—joyful, enthusiastic, frustrated—just like a hound. Thankfully my low laugh at the revelation was covered by the other goings-on of the moment.
Ramsey tilted her head in that way only dogs can, examining both Tap and Seir.Princes?
“Indeed.” Tap bowed as well, adjusting his glasses when he straightened. “Pleased to meet you, Ramsey. I’m Tap, and that’s Seir.” She gave a little snort and dipped her nose in response.“I’ve met a few of your sisters through the years, though, I’ll admit it’s been quite a long time since the last.”
I’ve heard of you, Watchman. You maintain the doorways and the familiar bonds. Rolo and Freyda have both spoken kindly of you.
“That’s a very fancy title you have for me. I’m honored. Though, Merry handles the bonds now.” He gestured to her.
